The phrase ‘stepping out of your comfort zone’ is one that is often bandied about. Though it certainly came to mind when I was offered the unique chance to spend three days at sea on a tall ship exploring Cornwall's waters.

Nevertheless, I (obviously) jumped at the chance to spend a weekend on board the two-masted topsail schooner Johanna Lucretia - and would wholeheartedly recommend anybody to do the same.

The trip was organised by VentureSail Holidays. Based in Truro and still a relatively young business, the team are giving travellers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hop aboard vessels from classic ships to modern day yachts. They can then discover destinations, from Cornwall to Scotland and Norway to the Caribbean, in slick style.

Read More

As Cornwall was finally forecast ‘ansome weather and Royal Wedding fever started to become all a bit too much I couldn’t wait to get to sea. Saying that, with days to go before our departure I made a little mistake – I watched Cruises from Hell on Channel 4.

As a natural born worrier, it was inevitable that other doubts would soon creep in. Although it was to be for only a few days, I would be travelling alone for the first time – something that always appealed, but now seemed daunting nonetheless.

I also had little or no experience with sailing – apparently the Falmouth Party Boat and Brittany Ferries didn’t count. Furthermore, as a West Cornwall boy who considers anywhere past Truro as “a bit up country” setting off from Fowey seemed an adventure in itself.

Read More

“This tall ship weekend is the perfect way to try out a sailing adventure,” said Jo Downie, director of VentureSail.

“Never far from land, it gives you a different view of the Cornish coastline as well as a taste of how to sail a classic ship. Along with your fellow shipmates learn how these ships were handled for centuries as the crew teaches you the basics of traditional sailing. Cruise around beautiful sheltered bays in Cornwall while you try your hand at something new.

Johanna Lucretia - in all her glory as she graces Cornwall's waters (Image: VentureSail Holidays)

“After a day sailing or exploring some of Cornwall’s coves and harbours you’ll return to the ship for a fantastic meal prepared by the chef. Using the best of local ingredients you’ll enjoy hearty home cooked dishes and all diets catered for.

“Your weekend aboard will also include a steady flow of hot drink, homemade cakes and possibly a traditional cream tea before you return on Sunday afternoon.”

I took the advice from the VentureSail team at its word – and in shorts, trainers and a tee-shirt, with two bags of kit in hand, I made my way down through Fowey’s charming streets towards Albert Quay. It was then that I discovered Johanna Lucretia, sticking out like one of the most striking sore thumbs in memory – in the nicest way possible – among all of the more modest vessels.

As I stopped to take a picture I noticed another couple go ahead of me and towards the majestic ship, both wearing vastly more practical clothing than me and carrying wellies. Despite being concerned about my Brit Abroad attire, I hopped on after them.

Read More

Despite being from a range of backgrounds we all got on right away and were soon sharing thoughts and laughs over the weather, sailing experience, seasickness and – above all other conversational subjects – the ship’s toilet arrangements, which surprisingly became very normal after just one night.

Another angle to enjoy marvelling at Cornwall.

We set off towards Falmouth, taking in scenic delights of Cannis Rock and Menabilly, where Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca was centred, and later the coast of Gorran, Mevagissey and Portscatho. Sailing against the wind the conditions were interesting to say the least and for many there was a feeling that it could be a long weekend. Those worries soon disappeared though as we all watched the sunset while gliding through calmer waters.

Another concern of mine before setting off was what the food would be like, I needn’t have worried as after the first meal of sausage and mash we all knew that the weekend’s cooking would be of a professional standard. After a few glasses of the ship bar’s finest we all bedded down for the night.

The following morning we all remarked on just how well we had all slept and prepared for the sunny day ahead, playing around in waters just off Falmouth.

During the week my breakfast usually consists of grabbing a last-minute piece of toast as I head out the door to join the hustle and bustle of A30 commuters, Saturday morning was a different story altogether. A continental breakfast with beautiful tea, coffee and juices were enjoyed by all as we watched paddle-boarders and the waters come to life.

You would think that trying to get some sleep on a ship might be a tough task, not aboard Johanna Lucretia! (Image: Matt Jessop/ VentureSail Holidays)

When you hear the phrase “cruise” you may be forgiven for thinking that you’re going to have a relaxing time. Indeed that is the case on some of VentureSail’s other vessels, where there is plenty of time to relax and be as hands on or off as you like.

But as this was a taster weekend we were all encouraged to “learn the ropes” and get involved with sailing – including putting the ship’s six sails up and down and also taking turns to navigate. It makes driving a Ford Fiesta through Minack Theatre traffic seem like a leisurely joy, but is an experience like no-other.

While getting acquainted with the ship over the weekend we heard how Johanna was built in 1945 in Belgium. Although originally built as a fishing vessel she was never used for this purpose and laid as a completed hull and deck for a number of years before being sold in 1952. Rodger has cared for her ship since 2008 after making some serious repairs and transforming her into the striking topsail schooner she is today.

On the third day we headed back to Fowey – sea mist and changeable conditions aside – it was a great way to end our journey. After swapping details and waving off Johanna we each went our separate ways, but will all share great memories of that time we spent a weekend on a tall ship.

Crew members are shown the ropes, quite literally..

The main thing to stress about the trip, we all agreed, is that you don’t need any sailing experience to enjoy the journey – in fact it’s almost more enjoyable to be thrown in at the deep end. As long as it’s not the literal one, obviously.

Interestingly, I’ve since been to the National Maritime Museum and have aced (Well, not crashed) the model boats – so I must have learnt something!

Read More

Another big plus about the trip was the people. Solo travelling can be daunting, but I found this to be the perfect taster and it's true what they say, meeting different people really does add to, and indeed make, the experience.